Bar Crossings can be Dangerous
Be Aware - Be Prepared - Be Experienced |
Bar Crossings
Bars form at the entrance to rivers and inshore waterways because
of the drift of sand along the coasts. Queensland has many dangerous
coastal bars and often they are the only way boats can get access
to, or reach shelter from, open waters. Even on a good day, conditions
on a bar can change quickly and without warning. Local knowledge,
experience and the right kind of boat are critical factors when attempting
bar crossings.
If the weather looks adverse, don't risk a bar crossing.
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Even experienced boaters should exercise caution
when crossing a bar |
Before crossing a bar
All sand bars are different.
Only experienced boaters should attempt to cross a coastal bar, and
even then you should exercise caution. You should observe the wave
patterns and conditions prior to crossing.
Learn what you can from local operators or volunteer marine rescue
groups.
Make sure you ask about any leads and beacons that assist in navigation
over the bar. Always report your intentions by radio before crossing
and advise that you are safely over.
Gain experience by crossing with an experienced operator before attempting
a bar crossing by yourself. Ensure the boat is seaworthy and is capable
of taking some impact from waves. Smaller open boats are less appropriate
as these can fill with water and capsize.
Conditions offshore can be ideal for boating but the conditions on
the bar can be dangerous due to swell. Do not attempt a bar crossing
in heavy swells and strong wind. Avoid crossing a bar on a run-out
tide when the most dangerous wave conditions usually occur.
Be prepared to cancel or delay the crossing. |
Preparations for crossing
Prior to crossing, cheek the tides and weather. Obtain a weather report
for the time of crossing the bar and a weather forecast of conditions
expected on your return.
Going out
The skill of crossing a bar is to know the best water by judging the
wave pattern, crossing at the calmest point and manoeuvering the boat
around breaking waves. Look for the deepest water or channel; going
aground on a bar can be disastrous.
Tactics may vary between displacement boats (slow) and high-speed
planing boats. Be patient and watch the sets of swells before choosing
the best time to go. Once committed, keep going - attempting to turn
around in front of an incoming wave can be disastrous. Do not hit
the waves at high speed; take them as close to head on as possible.
Some bars have waves breaking across the whole entrance and finding
a way through may be near impossible. Be prepared to take a wave head
on and take water over the bow if you find yourself in a position
where there is no alternative.
The boat must meet the incoming wave energy. Do not hit waves at high
speed and do not allow waves to break onto your boat.
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| Before crossing a bar, the following precautions
should be taken: |
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Prepare the boat |
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Check the steerking, bilge, hatches and drains |
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Check all lifesaving equipment and ensure it is ready for
an emergency |
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All crew or passengers should wear a lifejacket |
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Clear decks and secure all lines |
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Secure moveable items |
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Ensure watertight integrity |
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Ensure correct trim |
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Check and test engines, steering and controls |
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Ensure the engines are drawing fuel from a full tank |
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Use your marine radio to log on and and off with a volunteer
marine rescue group |
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Check the state of the tide (best one hour before high, worst
in mid-ebb) |
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Observe wave patterns and sets to establish when calmer periods
occur |
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Look for a position marker or lead so as to locate the entrance
for the return trip |
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Some general principles may include the following:
- look for lulls and sciect a line of least activity
- Where possible, cross on an incoming tide when the wave is running
with the tide
- Keep your boat generally bow on as the waves approach and do
not let the boat turn sideways to a breaking wave
- Head up into the waves and bear away quickly on their backs
- Accelerate where possible, but avoid getting airborne.
- Head for saddles which occur between peaking waves about to
break
- Navigate quickly clear of the bar
- Take back leads and marks to locate the entrance for your return
trip
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Choose your route across the bar carefully and
avoid the highest standing waves |
Coming In
When coming in, high speed boats (at ieast capable of 18 knots) should
travel at the same speed as the waves. The aim is to travel in on
the back of a wave, staying ahead of the waves breaking behind the
boat. Again, watch for patterns and deeper areas.
- Approaching from sea, increase power to maintain speed within
the set of the waves.
- Position the boat on the back of the wave - do not surf down
the face of the wave.
- Adjust the boat's speed to match the speed of the waves but
do not attempt to overtake the waves.
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Choose your route across the bar carefully and
avoid the high standing waves |
Displacement boats may have to come in very slowly to
avoid surfing and broaching-to (getting caught side on to a wave).
In extreme conditions, the very difficult but vital decision not to
come in may have to be made. It may well be safer to stand off in
deeper water until conditions improve or to seek alternative shelter.
General Advice
Never underestimate a coastal bar.
Even small waves can capsize or swamp and sink a boat. If you are
unsure or inexperienced, why go out and risk lives? Wait until conditions
provide a safe crossing that you can handle.
Know where the deepest water is and cross during the top of the tide
to ensure you don't risk running aground. Watch for a sufficient time
to assess the wave patterns and where waves break the least.
VVear lifejackets while crossing the bar. A capsize can happen instantaneously
and trying to put on a lifejacket while in choppy waters is near impossible.
As their skipper, think of your crew and passengers and don't take
risks. |